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THE INTERPRETATION METHODS OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE SLAVS IN THE TOUR GUIDING ACTIVITY OF THE FIRST MUSEUM OF SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY // Tomsk Journal of Linguistics and Anthropology. 2015. Issue 3 (9). P. 186-192

This article discusses the problem of interpretation of the cultural heritage of the Slavs within tour guiding activity of the First Museum of Slavic mythology. Interactive methods of work with tourists, as well as methods for engaging in joint action are analysed herein. Construction of the historical past in general and spiritual culture of the Slavs in particular is performed through the interpretation of works of art from the collection of the Museum. The museum's mission is not mainly focused on organisation of an interesting exhibition, but mainly on visitor engagement and exchange. Such task is carried out by means of specific techniques of revealing the content via interactive methods, when dialogical relationships are built between a visitor and an exposition, and methods of participation, when people simulate the surrounding reality themselves. Interactivity is achieved by creating a layer parallel to the conventional exposition. This layer includes models that can be touched and the so-called hands-on activities. For example, during the tour called “Native Gods and Heroes” visitors learn about the model of a traveling forge. They blow bellows, raise sledgehammer and put on a protective apron. Due to such hands-on activities museum visitors develop an understanding of how metal was forged in ancient times. Successful methods of immersion into the past are related to traditional crafts and participation in game practices where guests dress up, sing folk songs, dance in a round and taste traditional cuisine. In such projects it is crucial to give people an opportunity to be not only “consumers” or target audience, but also contributors to decision-making and organisation of cultural events, in other words, to the process of under-standing and realisation of cultural heritage.

Keywords: Slavic cultural heritage, cultural heritage interpretation, museum pedagogics, guiding activity, museum exposition